It may be mentioned here that on May 15, the International Weightlifting Federation provisionally suspended Chanu for four years after her ‘A’ sample tested positive for a banned anabolic agent.

Calling the test report ‘dubious’, N Biren Singh said that there could be error in the laboratory sample identification. “There could have been mixing up or exchange of her sample with some other athlete, the CM added.

“Records placed before me show that IWF suspension communication mentions sample no. 1599000 on the top of the report while the fourth para of the report cites sample no. 1599176” Singh said in the letter addressed to Rajyavardhan Rathore.

“I would sincerely urge you to kindly personally intervene in the matter and obtain a prompt review of this suspension order. It hardly needs to be emphasized that being a “Sports Power-house” of India, issues related to sports remain sensitive to the people of Manipur. An early intervention from your good offices is extremely crucial towards obtaining justice and fairness for our Manipuri athlete,” the letter added.